Public views on employment of people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Understanding the views of the public is an important factor in building effective programs that promote integrated employment. This article presents the results of a study conducted by an alliance of researchers and community partners to elucidate public perceptions regarding work inclusion of people with an intellectual disability. The study consisted of a telephone poll conducted throughout a large region of the Province of Ontario, Canada. A majority of the 680 respondents believed that some form of integrated work is best for most adults with an intellectual disability. About 87% of respondents believed that hiring people with intellectual disabilities would not negatively affect the image of workplaces. Respondents indicated that a lack of employment training programs for people with intellectual disabilities was a major obstacle to increased inclusion.